Grand Cathay has finally stepped onto the battlefield of Warhammer: The Old World as the first new faction.
They’re a lean, elite force led by the powerful Storm Dragon. While their roster isn’t huge, each unit delivers high impact—mirroring the tight synergy of elite lists like Ravening Hordes. This isn’t about quantity; it’s about quality in spades.
The army revolves around two core rules: Will of the Dragons and The Elemental Winds. When nearby units die, Will of the Dragons lets surviving units re-roll Panic tests, reflecting disciplined professionalism. Meanwhile, Elemental Winds—Yin and Yang bonuses—boost your units’ Movement, Leadership, or spell casting.
The backbone of your force? Jade Warriors and Lancers. These are elite, well-armored core troops with high Weapon Skill and Leadership, though a touch less brutal than Chaos Warriors. Still, they deliver solid performance for their cost. Despite lacking basic missile infantry, Cathay packs missile punch through artillery and magical firepower.
Enter the Shugengan Lords—dragon-blooded warrior-wizards who serve as martial specialists or powerful casters. They bring flexible lore choices, including Yin and Yang spells, and can hybridize support and combat roles. With Battle Magic and defensive gear, these characters can pack serious punch.
Centrepiece models include Sentinels and Sky Lanterns. Sentinels offer devastating battlefield effects and support via special materials like Jade or Obsidian. Meanwhile, Sky Lanterns combine mobile artillery with unique mobility, impact damage, and multi-role weapon options. They’re flexible and deadly.
At the top of the pyramid sits the Storm Dragon—a high-impact hero with transformative rules. She can fight effectively in human form or transform into a dragon, gaining unique spells and melee capability. Plus, she grants Celestial Dragon Guard to Jade Warriors as a bodyguard unit.
Looking ahead, the second Arcane Journal arrives alongside Miao Ying and more Cathay releases. It focuses on the threat of Chaos, east-west tensions, terrain and scenario rules, multiplayer options, and a Jade Fleet Army of Infamy with Empire mercenaries. Expect plenty of narrative flavor and tactical depth.
Final Thoughts
Grand Cathay isn’t the biggest, but it’s one of the most refined armies released in The Old World. Each aspect—magic, martial, artillery, heroic—works in harmony, just as the designers intended. If you love precision, synergy, and a bit of eastern flair on the tabletop, this faction is a perfect fit. So don’t miss the chance: Armies of Grand Cathay are available to pre-order now!
And remember, Frontline Gaming sells gaming products at a discount, every day in their webcart!
